Playoff Showdown: Denver Gold vs. Houston Gamblers
Sunday, June 30, 1985 – 4:15 PM ET at the Astrodome, Houston, TX
The Denver Gold and Houston Gamblers are set to clash in the second round of the USFL playoffs, with both teams looking to extend their postseason runs. The game promises a battle of contrasting styles as the Gamblers’ high-octane passing attack faces a gritty, balanced Denver squad.
Houston Gamblers: Air Show in Full Effect
The Gamblers, led by the league’s Offensive Player of the Year candidate Jim Kelly, have been a force all season. Kelly’s prolific passing—5,219 yards and 44 touchdowns—has powered Houston to the top of the league’s offensive rankings. With receivers like Ricky Sanders (1,378 yards, 11 TDs) and Richard Johnson (1,455 yards, 15 TDs), Houston’s passing game is a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Complementing the aerial attack is a capable ground game spearheaded by Sam Harrell, who racked up 597 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Combined with Kelly’s ability to run, the Gamblers averaged 5.5 yards per carry, making them an unpredictable threat.
Defensively, Houston brings pressure with sack leader Pete Catan (16 sacks) and an opportunistic secondary led by Will Lewis (8 interceptions). If they can stifle Denver’s offense early, the Gamblers will be in prime position to dictate the pace.
Denver Gold: Grit and Resilience
The Denver Gold punched their ticket to this game with a hard-fought victory over the Oakland Invaders. Bill Johnson, the league’s second-leading rusher with 1,261 yards and 15 touchdowns, remains the cornerstone of Denver’s offense. His power running sets up quarterback Bob Gagliano, who has struggled at times (13 TDs, 17 INTs) but is capable of delivering under pressure.
The receiving corps is led by Leonard Harris (1,432 yards, 8 TDs) and Marc Lewis (1,207 yards, 6 TDs), providing the Gold with big-play potential if Gagliano can find his rhythm.
Denver’s defense, while not flashy, is built on sound tackling and determination. Linebacker Mark Daum, who set a single-game record with 17 tackles earlier this season, will need to anchor the unit against Houston’s relentless attack.
Keys to the Game
- For Houston: The Gamblers need to establish their tempo early. Quick scores will force Denver into an uncomfortable shootout and negate the Gold’s ball-control strategy.
- For Denver: Ball control is critical. A steady dose of Bill Johnson and a few timely completions from Gagliano could keep Houston’s offense on the sideline and the game within reach.
Prediction
The Gold bring heart and determination, but the Gamblers’ explosive offense at home may be too much to handle. Expect Jim Kelly and his arsenal of weapons to light up the scoreboard and punch Houston’s ticket to the next round.
Prediction: Houston Gamblers 38, Denver Gold 24